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E39 (1997 - 2003) The BMW 5-Series (E39 chassis) was introduced in the United States as a 1997 model year car and lasted until the 2004 when the E60 chassis was released. The United States saw several variations including the 525i, 528i, 530i and 540i. -- View the E39 Wiki

I made the plunge to spend the extra money in order to achieve the OEM quality of headlights for my E39, namely; Hella!
While they began working (both lights igniting), when I tested the height adjustment - they began to turn temperamental.
One would start to "shimmer", and eventually, would not ignite at all.
The next stage was then when the car turned on, only one would turn on, and the other not; a very peculiar situation!

After some communication with Umnitza, to no avail, they unfortunately weren't working as expected. I then ordered a new set of ballasts, as well as a set of cords from the headlight to the ballast. When I went to remove the cords however, I saw something I wasn't expecting!

on both sides...

Safe to say I was completely shattered.

So my question is - can these be saved? or am I destined to have halogens on my 1997 528?

Beyond that, are the headlights now worth anything?
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Replace the socket and bulbs and all should be fine. As for why that happened, it appears that there was a loose or dirty connection causing the electricity to seek the path of least resistance, thereby eroding the plastic.

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